Masters in Genetics School Programs and Degrees

For the Graduate student with an interest in research and advanced studies in biology, biomedical science, animal or environmental science, enrolling in an masters in genetics on campus program might be excellent preparation to allow you to pursue a variety of career paths in a fast-growing field. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of genetic counselors is projected to grow 41% from 2012 to 2022[i].

Genetics is one of the branches of biology in which genes, heredity, and genetic variations in living organisms are analyzed. The application of genetics to other life sciences might include animal genetics, human and medical genetics as well as plant genetics. Some Masters in Genetics On Campus Programs offer concentrations in Genomics, which is a discipline in genetics that applies recombinant DNA, DNA sequencing methods, and bioinformatics to sequence, assemble, and analyze the function and structure of genomes[ii].

Geneticists are professionals who study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level, and may evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders. If you are considering pursuing a career, as a genetics counselor, you need at least a Master’s degree in genetics or genetic counseling, although some go onto earn a PhD, so it could be in your favor to advance your studies[iii].

How To Find A Masters in Genetics on Campus Program

GradSchools.com makes it easy to review options for colleges and universities that offer Genetics Masters Programs. You can perform a simple location search to determine where you might enjoy studying; use the city, state or country tabs and browse the listings. Some of the programs may be general ones, such as an MS in Genetics, or MS in Genomics. Others may offer a PhD in Genetics track. For those students who are keen about specializing, some options might include MS Genetic Counseling, MS Animal Breeding and Genetics, MS Plant Breeding, Genetics & Genomics, MS Human Genetics and Stem Cells, or MS Genetic Engineering.

Studying for your Masters in Genetics Degree on Campus gives you the ability to create new social networks, have face-to-face interactions with classmates, professors and teaching assistants. As well, you might enjoy other activities that form part of the college experience, and also gain access to the facilities, such as libraries, laboratories and perhaps athletic amenities for when you aren’t researching!

Potential Career Paths in Genetics

Depending upon the concentration of your Masters in Genetics On Campus Degree, the level of education, and other contributors, there are a variety of potential career paths that graduates might be prepared to pursue. Some of these occupations may include:

Biomedical Engineers: Analyze and design solutions to problems in biology, and medicine, with the goal of improving the quality and effectiveness of patient care. Some specialty areas within biomedical engineering include bioinstrumentation, biomaterials, biomechanics, cellular, tissue, and genetic engineering. Employment for biomedical engineers is predicted to grow 27% between 2012 and 2022[iv].

Genetic Counselors: Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders, and birth defects. They provide information and advice to other healthcare providers, or to individuals and families who may be concerned about the risk of inherited conditions. As stated previously, this is an occupation with a very bright outlook[i].

Animal Scientists: Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals. Employment of Animal Scientists is projected to grow 9% between 2012 and 2022[v].

Agricultural and Food Scientists: Work to ensure that agricultural establishments are productive and food is safe. With a focus on food production, they explore animal genetics, nutrition, reproduction, diseases, growth, and development. Employment of Agricultural and Food Scientists is projected to grow 9% between 2012 and 2022[vi].

Microbiologists: Study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some parasites to try to understand how these organisms live, grow, and interact with their environments. A PhD in Microbiology is needed to carry out independent research and work in universities. Employment of Microbiologists is expected to grow 7% between 2012 and 2022[vii].

Biochemists and Biophysicists: Study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes, such as cell development, growth and heredity. A Master’s degree may qualify you for entry-level jobs; a PhD is required for independent and development positions. Employment in this occupation is projected to grow 19% between 2012 and 2022[viii].

Medical Scientists: Conduct research aimed at improving overall human health, and often use clinical trials and other methods of investigation to reach their data. Medical scientists typically need a PhD from an accredited postsecondary institution. Employment of medical scientists is projected to grow 13% between 2012 and 2022[ix].

Ready to pursue a Masters in Genetics?

Whether you are interested in advanced studies in human, plant, or animal genetics, earning a Masters in Genetics on campus degree might help prepare you to pursue a career as a lead researcher or innovators in the field of genetics, whether as a counselor or a researcher. Use the search tools on GradSchools.com to find the campus that offers the program that may meet your professional and educational goals!

Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences

Kansas State University

The genetics curriculum is sponsored by several departments to offer specialized education in genetics to students in a variety of disciplines. Graduate work leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in genetics is administered by the faculty of participating d...

Iowa State University

The Genetics Graduate Program at Iowa State University has 87 faculty and 96 graduate students working and training in many different areas of genetics. We offer assistantships, Fellowships, Tuition Scholarships (students on assistantships are assessed...

Texas A&M University

Since 1988, 118 Ph.D. and 60 M.S. graduate degrees in genetics have been awarded. Genetics graduates have gone on to productive careers, including more than 10% whom have gone on to faculty positions at universities, and others who hold important positi...

Genetics is an interdepartmental undergraduate and graduate degree-granting program dedicated both to teaching and research. The program is a function of the Faculty of Genetics, which as of March, 2001, consists of 72 full members from the Colleges of...

National Taiwan University

Currently there are 10 professors, 4 associate professors, 3 assistant professors in IEEB. The research interests of IEEB’s faculty range from genes to ecosystems, which include chemical and physiological ecology, population and community ecology, anima...

Kyung Hee University

Founded in 1954, the Graduate School aims to produce true scholars who, through continuous study of advanced theories and their application to practical fields, acquire qualities required by today's leaders to effectively and responsibly contribute to t...

Oregon State University

The Department of Microbiology offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Major fields of study are diverse and include basic and applied aspects of virology and bacteriology; immunology...

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center

The goal of graduate education in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is to provide students with the core knowledge, analytical skills, and intellectual discipline to become a successful biomedical scientist in academia or industry. Th...

North Carolina State University

Genomic Science at NC State has two components;
Functional Genomics - the generation of large bodies of data relating to organism function and
Bioinformatics - the analysis of these vast and complex data sets.
Students can register for graduate...

Genomic science recognizes that whole genome sequences provide an unparalled glimpse into the genetic make-up of organisms. This knowledge of genetic codes will enable scientists to design drugs that attack the causes of disease and control the expre...

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